DOGE protesters rally outside key department after employees are told not to report to work Wednesday

Protesters Rally Against Trump and Musk’s Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education

On Tuesday, a passionate group of protesters gathered outside the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., to voice their opposition to the Trump administration’s rumored plans to abolish the federal agency. The rally, organized in response to reports that the Department of Education is next on the chopping block under President Donald Trump’s push for government efficiency, drew former Education Department employees, educators, and advocates. The protesters chanted slogans like "This is what democracy looks like" and held signs that read "Boycott Tesla!," "Elon don’t rob kids," and "No DOGE no kings," reflecting their anger and frustration over the potential cuts.

The demonstrators also held a moment of appreciation and applause for the federal agency, acknowledging the crucial role it plays in supporting education across the country. Their message was clear: dismantling the Department of Education would have far-reaching consequences for students, families, and communities. As the rally concluded, Fox Business Senior Correspondent Charles Gasparino reported that Education Department employees had been notified to vacate the agency’s offices by 6 p.m. Tuesday, with the offices remaining closed on Wednesday. Additionally, Gasparino revealed that employees had received emails about significant workforce reductions, buyouts, and severance opportunities, signaling the administration’s intent to scale back operations.

Trump’s Plan to Abolish the Department of Education Sparks Outrage

President Donald Trump has long been a critic of the Department of Education, often calling it a "big con job" and arguing that it has failed America’s students. In a draft of an executive order reported by The Wall Street Journal, Trump is expected to direct Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to close the department, claiming that federal control over education has "failed our children, our teachers, and our families." The draft order criticized the "experiment of controlling American education through Federal programs and dollars," suggesting that the department’s efforts have been ineffective despite high spending. Trump has cited the U.S. ranking 40th in global education outcomes while being first in per-pupil spending as evidence of the system’s failure.

However, the protesters and supporters of the Department of Education strongly disagree with this assessment. They argue that the department plays a vital role in providing resources and support for students, particularly those from marginalized communities. One former Education Department employee at the rally expressed her concerns, stating that cutting funding would hurt children and families. "This cut in funding is the opposite of what we should be doing. We should be providing more federal funding for these services for these kids, not less," she told Fox News Digital. She warned that without the department’s support, special education programs and English courses for immigrant children could disappear, forcing the country to revert to outdated educational standards.

The Human Cost of Cutting the Department of Education

The rally highlighted the personal and emotional impact of the proposed cuts on both current and former Education Department employees. Many protesters shared stories about the importance of the department’s work and the lives it touches. One former federal employee described how seeing colleagues laid off "breaks our heart" and emphasized the need to "speak up for what’s been done to the federal government." Another protester, a former Education Department employee, painted a grim picture of the consequences of dismantling the agency. "We’re going to be going back to the 1800s, the early 1900s, when special ed kids can’t get services, when English learners can’t learn English. This is an outrage," she said.

The protesters also emphasized the broader implications of the cuts, arguing that they would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Rebecca Pringle, president of the National Education Association, noted that the Trump administration does not have the authority to unilaterally close the Department of Education. Abolishing the agency would require legislative approval, including 60 votes in the Senate, which is unlikely given Democratic opposition. Pringle called on educators and supporters to organize and hold elected officials accountable, announcing plans for a series of national walk-in protests on March 19 to push back against the administration’s plans.

Resistance Grows as Educators and Activists Push Back

The rally outside the Department of Education was just one part of a growing movement to resist the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle federal agencies and reduce government spending. Activists and educators are mobilizing nationwide to oppose the cuts, arguing that they prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over investments in education. Katie Gates, an activist with the political activism group Voters of Tomorrow, urged the administration to reconsider its approach. "Please stop," she said. "You might think that you’re making government more efficient, or you’re getting rid of the deep state or whatever. But this has far-ranging impacts on kids, on parents, on communities, on schools. Sometimes efficiency isn’t the highest value. Sometimes it’s support. Sometimes it’s learning."

The protesters’ message resonated with many who believe that education is a cornerstone of democracy and that cutting funding for the Department of Education would undermine the nation’s future. As the debate over the department’s fate continues, one thing is clear: the fight to preserve federal support for education is far from over, and those impacted are determined to make their voices heard.

The Fight to Preserve Federal Support for Education Continues

The rally outside the Department of Education served as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for public education and the role of government in ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities. While the Trump administration’s plan to abolish the department faces significant legal and political hurdles, the protesters made it clear that they will not let the proposed cuts go unchallenged. From organizing protests to raising awareness about the impact of the cuts, educators, activists, and supporters are committed to fighting for the future of education in America.

As the administration moves forward with its agenda, the opposition is prepared to escalate its efforts, calling on Congress to act as a check on Trump’s authority. With plans for further protests and advocacy campaigns, the movement to protect the Department of Education is gaining momentum. For those who believe in the importance of federal support for education, the fight is personal—and they are determined to ensure that the voices of students, families, and educators are heard in the halls of power.